Rep. Jim Sacia: Prayer to open session inspires a holy calling’

It’s that time of year again. We “try to squeeze 6 pounds of mud in a 3-pound sack.”

By Jim Sacia

Journal Standard

By Jim Sacia

Posted May. 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 24, 2013 at 3:38 PM

By Jim Sacia

Posted May 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated May 24, 2013 at 3:38 PM

It’s that time of year again. We “try to squeeze 6 pounds of mud in a 3-pound sack.”

I suppose it is human nature. In college, my term papers were always done in the 11th hour. I just so want to believe we could do better.

We have been in session since January. We have had days where it appears we accomplish so little. We must adjourn according to our constitution by May 31.

At this writing, it is early morning May 22. We have not passed a budget (we aren’t even close). We have not passed concealed carry (very close). A major gaming bill is hanging in the wings. A push remains for same-sex marriage.

Our most important issue, as I see it, is an acceptable pension bill. Whatever you’ve seen so far will have changes.

Many other issues remain out there. They may or may not be addressed this legislative session.

My emails and phone calls are blowing up the system. My response time to get back to you is now about three weeks.

Still we trudge on, trying to repair a system with many faults. I have always, and always will, believe that we are still better than many parts of the world. Illinois could do so much better, and good people continue to try. No, I will never lose heart.

Our entire country faces many challenges. The following is quoted often as to where America is headed:

In 1887, Alexander Tyler, as Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years prior:

“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship.

“The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:

“From bondage to spiritual faith;

“From spiritual faith to great courage;

“From courage to liberty;

“From liberty to abundance;

“From abundance to complacency;

“From complacency to apathy;

“From apathy to dependence;

“From dependence back into bondage.”

I believe we are approaching government dependence. I also believe we are smart enough to fix it.

Jim Sacia is the 89th District state representative. You can reach him, Sally or Barb at 815-232-0774, or e-mail them at jimsacia@aeroinc.net. You can also visit Sacia’s website at www.jimsacia.com.